Needing Help Picking a Replacement for a Merkur Classic

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I've been shaving with a Merkur Classic (23C I believe) I got at Art of Shaving, and I'm now looking for something different.

I am not interested in another Merkur right now.

I've found that the Merkur I've been using is far too light; I prefer a heavier razor.

I have used Merkur and Feather blades, with similar results.

I prefer a single pass, decently close, but more comfortable shave over a multiple pass shave except on date nights.

I like all metal 2 or 3 piece designs. I dislike butterfly designs.

I'm tempted to try an open comb razor, as I tend to let my beard grow a week between shaves. Also, I've read that they give a closer shave on a first pass, which my Merkur does not do. I usually wind up with enough stubble left on a first with the grain pass to require a second with the grain pass before I can switch directions without cutting myself.

I am only interested in currently commercially available razors.

These are the razors I've found so far, but I would welcome other suggestions. Of these, I'm leaning toward the Muhle razors right now. They have a design that's appealing to me, and I find the price to be a bit gentler than the Tradere or Edwin Jagger options.

Goodfella's Razor
Muhle Grande R89
Muhle Grande R41
Parker 91R
Tradere Solid Bar
Tradere Open Comb
Edwin Jagger Chatsworth
Edwin Jagger Bulbous

Also, if they use the same threads, I may add a Weber handle to one of the above to add some weight.

 

[StuMcB]

WHy not think about the adjustable Merkurs? They not too expensive and give you the benefit of trying mild to aggressive.

 

[Erazorhead]

If you're looking for a one pass shave, the FaTip Piccolo in nickel might do the job for you. More aggressive than the R89, but not as aggressive as the R41, and cheaper than both. Plus it's a sexy looking beast.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I don't like the butterfly style Merkur, and I had the Futur and had nothing but problems with it. (Mostly with the "clip-on" cap) I've been thinking of trying another Futur in case it was just a defective one that I'd gotten, but I'm more than a little wary of it.

The progress seemed to not be balanced as I would like it. It just felt too light on one end.

With the lighter razors I've used, it seems like I have to put more pressure on them to make them work, but then I have a ton of trouble keeping the angle right.

I'm really wanting to try something not Merkur as well, since Merkur is the only brand I've used up to this point.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

The FaTip Grande seemed appealing, but I didn't like the design of it.

The Dreadnought ‘Spartan’ Sure is a sleek looking razor though.

 

[lt114]

If you want to stick with Merkur, the Progress, Futur, 34c, and 38c should all work nicely. The 38c with the barber pole handle is about as heavy as it gets.

 

[celestino]

WHy not think about the adjustable Merkurs? They not too expensive and give you the benefit of trying mild to aggressive.

+1 The Progress is a very nice razor. You should also really consider the Webers, especially, the DLCs as they are a great stainless steel option for a great price. Good luck.

 

[Niles]

If you want to stick with Merkur, the Progress, Futur, 34c, and 38c should all work nicely. The 38c with the barber pole handle is about as heavy as it gets.

+1. EJ DE89 razors are very nice, too.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

I like the looks of the Weber Razor Bulldog and Wave handles, but as has been pointed out in almost every review I saw, the head is very similar to the Merkur heads. I can't see it being much different from a Merkur in use, other than the better weight. I do like the fact they're made in the USA though.

As I said before, I don't want to stick with Merkur.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

+1. EJ DE89 razors are very nice, too.

That EJ DE89 sure looks like the best value option.
I came across the iKon razors as well. They're at the top end of my price range, but they seem to be exceptionally well designed.

 

[DEW]

The Cadet Open Comb at shaveabuck.com has a very heavy handle and aggressive shave for that week old beard, and the price is right.

Cadet Shaving Three Piece TP-27

$23.99

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

The handles on those Cadets sure look nice. How is the quality for $24 though?

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Picked up a Muhle R89 Grande today, since they had one at Art of Shaving.

Loaded it up with a Dorco blade that the local barbers prefer, and gave it a try.

I can tell I'm going to need to try some different blades and angles with this razor. That, or get a more aggressive razor.
I had trouble removing enough on the first pass to switch direction, so a second WTG pass was needed. Even after 4 passes and touchup, I've still got some patches that didn't clean up well, and plenty of irritation because of so many passes.

I'm going to give it a couple of days and try again with a feather blade, and I have a sample pack of blades on the way for further experimentation.

Some observations about the razor itself:
-I like the weight, but it could be just a tad heavier on the handle end. Maybe I'll make a new handle at work one day.
-The pattern on the handle doesn't provide nearly as much grip as it seems it should.
-The head clogs far less than my Merkur, is heavier, and has a more refined finish to it.
-The threads are very well machined, and well matched.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Wound up having to return the Muhle R89 Grande. The shave was comfortable with any blade, but I couldn't get a close shave no matter what I did. I guess I just need something more aggressive.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Off to the other end of the spectrum for me. I've got a Muhle R41 Grande on the way.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

My R41 showed up today. I popped in the included blade, prepped up, and proceeded to have me a shave. I can honestly say that I've never had such a close shave as I was able to get with the R41. Only 2 passes were needed, and I didn't even nick myself in my trouble areas. Aggressive it may be, but I'd say that it works in your favor.